But the gold of a wedding-ring for Miss Midharst would balance the five-tons weight of the baronet's. Little over half an ounce of gold would outweigh five tons; a ring that cost no more than three guineas would balance a deficit of five hundred and fifty thousand pounds!
Mrs. Grant softly opened the door of the sick chamber, and motioning someone inside to come near, she said, as Miss Midharst approached:
"Maud, dear, here is Mr. Grey; he came at once."
The girl offered him her hand, and Grey took it respectfully, tenderly, and held it, saying:
"I am deeply grieved, Miss Midharst, at what Mrs. Grant tells me. I hope this may be only a temporary affection. How is Sir Alexander now?"
"Oh, he's very, very bad!" sobbed the girl, in a whisper. "It was kind of you to come. He talks of you always."
"I am, believe me, Miss Midharst, deeply grieved for him, and—you."
Nothing could be more kind and sympathetic than his voice and manner.
"He talks of nothing but you and the money," whispered the girl, through her tears.
At that moment a shrill shout came from the bed, followed by the words: